Treatment and prevention of helminthiases. Symptoms of worms in children. Symptoms of this disease

Some statistics: out of 250 varieties of worms registered by physicians, only 30 are found in residents of the CIS countries.

TOP 3 most common diagnoses:

The remaining 1.3% is accounted for by other types of trematodes and trichuriasis.

Patients have many questions regarding helminthic invasions. First of all, people are interested in what are the signs of helminthiasis in adults and children, whether it is possible to detect them on their own. The features of treatment are also important: what to choose pills or folk remedies? Does it make sense to take preventive measures? What specifically? The authors of Gastro-blog.ru have prepared a thematic educational program, which discusses details about enterobiasis, ascariasis, opisthorchiasis and some other types of worms.

Helminthiasis: symptoms in adults

• the age and state of immunity of the patient;
• stage of development;
• specific variety and location of worms.

Some patients do not bother at all, and the problem is detected during a physical examination.

Typical symptoms of enterobiasis (pinworms) in adults are less pronounced than in children. Evening and nocturnal itching in the perianal region is the main symptom of helminthiasis of this variety. It is observed in the acute phase 3-4 days in a row (females lay eggs), repeats every other day (with reinvasion). Near the anus and in the inguinal folds, one can find translucent lumps - the bodies of pinworms. The clinic of enterobiasis is also characterized by: spontaneous urination, periodic pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, problems with stools (increased liquid defecation, flatulence, tenesmus). Allergic reactions are possible. Physiological symptoms cause neurotic problems: unreasonable fatigue, irritability, insomnia. Common complications: vulvovaginitis, paraproctitis.

Signs of the migratory stage of ascariasis in adults (the first 15 days of the development of invasion): allergic reactions (reddening of the skin, rash), subfebrile temperature, bronchitis or pneumonia, with appropriate manifestations. Next, the helminths move into the intestines. The process is accompanied by dyspeptic syndrome (abdominal pain, belching, flatulence, unstable stool), anemia, and weight loss. Roundworms literally “rob” the body, consuming useful substances. Complications of invasion affect the hepatobiliary system. There are frequent cases of blockage of the bile duct with worms, which is the cause of obstructive jaundice.

Opisthorchiasis is characterized by a variety of symptoms. In the acute phase of the development of the disease, syndromes may predominate:

• asthenovegetative;
• bronchopulmonary;
• hepatobiliary;
• myasthenic;
• cutaneous;
• digestive;
• renal;
• articular.

When infected, the temperature rises, and allergization of the body often occurs (from a mild rash to severe edema). Patients are concerned about headaches, dyspepsia, sweating.

The main complaints in chronic opisthorchiasis: pain in the upper part of the peritoneum, stool disorders, loss of appetite, nausea (up to vomiting), a feeling of bitterness in the mouth. The disease is also accompanied by neurotic disorders: insomnia, irritability, depression. Complications of invasion affect the hepatobiliary system and the pancreas. These can be: hepatitis, cirrhosis, oncopathology of these organs, bile peritonitis.

Mixed helminthiases are also not excluded. Symptoms vary depending on the predominant type of worms, the degree of organ damage. Common complaints: allergic reactions, stool disorders, loss of appetite, fatigue.

How to treat helminthiasis in adults: drugs

The most effective option is to take tablet medicines in the appropriate dosage.

In some situations, therapy is carried out according to the scheme:

sorbent → anthelmintic → antihistamine.

Perhaps the appointment of hepatoprotectors.

Introducing the TOP-5 effective tablets for worms.

Vermox. Mebendazole drug. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of action, it is recommended for mono- and mixed invasions. Especially effective against nematodes. The dosage is adjusted individually. Treatment of pinworms with Vermox is carried out in two stages. The first dose is 100 mg. The second course is held in two weeks. With mixed helminthiases, ascariasis, ankylostomidosis, trichocephalosis, the daily dose of 200 mg is divided into two doses. Treatment is extended by 3 days. Limitations: intolerance to mebendazole, liver failure, pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease. Analogues: Vermox, Mebeks.

Wormil. The active ingredient (albendozol) is effective in the treatment of helminths that live in soft tissues, intestines, and protozoa. The main plus is ovicidal properties (active against adults and larvae). The dose of Vormil in case of infection with nematodes and cestodes is 1 tablet (400 mg) / day for 3 or 5 days. With complicated mixed invasion, therapy is adjusted individually. Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, intolerance to any of the components of the drug. Analogues: Albendazole, Nemozol, Gelmodol-VM.

Decaris (for adults - tablets 150 mg). The active substance is levamisole hydrochloride. Effective for ascariasis and some other nematodes. Features of use: single dose (1 table = 150 mg), preferably after dinner, drink the drug with water (0.5 cup). Restrictions: liver or kidney failure. The drug is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Important: do not combine with alcohol.

Pirantel. The name of the drug corresponds to the active ingredient. It is recommended for the treatment of ascariasis, enterobiasis and other nematodosis. Release forms: tablets, suspension and powder. Dosage for adults: mg (3-4 tablets) once during or immediately after a meal. With advanced invasions, treatment is adjusted individually. Restrictions: reaction to any of the components, myasthenia gravis, liver failure. Analogue: Kombantrin.

Praziquantel. Broad-spectrum anthelmintic, active against trematodes, cestodes. The dosage depends on the type of invasion. Usually appoint 0.025-0.04 g once. In severe situations, the dose is divided into two doses, and the therapeutic course is extended for several days. Contraindications: 1st trimester of pregnancy, lactation, intolerance to the active ingredient, cysticercosis of the eye.

The simplest ways to prevent infection:

• compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
• thorough heat treatment of fish and meat products;
• scalding fruits with boiling water.

The need for drug prophylaxis (in view of the toxicity of drugs) is a moot point. However, members of the risk group and people in contact with animals usually resort to this method. Suitable tablets: Vormil, Albendozol, Pirantel.

Useful on topic:

Symptoms and signs of worms in an adult

To date, the prevalence of diseases caused by helminthic invasions remains high. Among children of preschool and primary school age, enterobiasis (pinworm infection) is most common. If there is a child in the family, then in most cases adults are also infected with pinworms. Another of the very common helminthiases that occur in countries with a temperate climate and do not always occur with severe symptoms is ascariasis. For adults whose hobbies are related to hunting and fishing, diphyllobothriasis and trichinosis are also characteristic.

Helminthiases caused by various types of pathogens can occur under the guise of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, as well as pathologies of the respiratory system.

Common symptoms and signs of worms in humans

The most likely symptoms of the presence of worms in humans are general malaise, fatigue, weakness, itching in the anus.

The main signs of worms, which can especially often become noticeable in a person (especially a child), include a sharp loss of body weight, anemia, weakness, pallor of the skin, digestive disorders (both constipation and diarrhea), vomiting, the presence of signs in the feces, for example segments of tapeworms or adult roundworms.

In addition to the general symptoms and signs of worms in humans, their presence has a number of specific manifestations that are individual for each body system.

Gastrointestinal tract

If the main place of localization of helminthic invasions is the intestinal lumen, then the main signs of this condition will be violations of the functions of the digestive system. The main signs of worms in adults with damage to the digestive system can be divided into:

• alternating constipation and diarrhea;
• nausea and vomiting;
• abdominal pain that does not have a clear localization;
• excessive bloating.

The severity of these symptoms is individual for each person, as well as for a specific clinical case.

An excessive number of adult worms in the intestinal lumen can cause its complete or partial overlap, causing persistent stool disorders.

central nervous system

The result of the vital activity of most helminths is toxic substances that cause the phenomenon of general intoxication of the body. Constant exposure to toxic substances on the body leads to the formation of persistent disorders of the central nervous system. The main nervous signs of helminths in adults are as follows:

• headache of varying intensity
• dizziness
• nausea, sometimes vomiting
• an increase in body temperature up to a fever
• pain in large and small joints.

Avitaminosis, which is a constant companion of helminthiases, combined with a toxic effect on the nervous system, leads to the formation of chronic fatigue syndrome, loss of concentration, as well as increased drowsiness or insomnia.

Skin

To date, it has been fully proven that worms and allergies in adults are united by a causal relationship. In a person suffering from helminthiasis, the condition of the skin deteriorates sharply. The waste products of most helminths are perceived by the human body as foreign agents, which entails the formation of an allergic reaction.

As a result of excessive production by the body of the main mediator of allergy - histamine, specific rashes and edema appear on the surface of the skin. In addition, a person begins to be disturbed by a constant feeling of itching, a cough, nasal congestion may appear.

The immune system

Along with a decrease in all functions of the body, a sharp suppression of the human immune defense occurs. A decrease in the body's defenses can lead to an exacerbation of existing chronic diseases or cause the formation of inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and organs of the female reproductive system.

It is noteworthy that one of the possible causes of night snoring may be the presence of helminthic invasions in the body.

Symptoms of the most common helminthiases

Features of clinical manifestations, as well as the degree of their intensity, directly depend on the type of pathogen. Using the example of ascariasis, one can observe the first symptoms of worms in adults already 2 days after infection during the migration of larvae through the bloodstream. Some helminthiases have an incubation period of up to 18 months.

The main symptoms of ascariasis in adults directly depend on the phase of the life cycle of helminths. Migration of larvae of pathogens of ascariasis occurs under the means of their entry into the bloodstream and further separation with the blood flow throughout the body. If the larvae enter the lung tissue, then the main symptoms of the disease can be called the appearance of subfebrile temperature, dry cough, weakness, and general malaise. In severe cases, the development of purulent bronchitis, as well as pneumonia, is possible. When ascaris larvae enter the gastrointestinal tract with the bloodstream, its functions are disturbed. A person suffering from ascariasis, there is a sharp loss of body weight.

Enterobiasis

The most characteristic and pronounced symptom of this disease is the appearance of severe itching in the anus, which increases markedly at night. Another important diagnostic sign of infection with enterobiasis is the duration and frequency of itching. In this case, the itching lasts no more than 2 days in a row, after which it disappears on its own and reappears after 2-3 weeks.

Intestinal schistosomiasis, hookworm infection, trichuriasis, diphyllobothriasis

Other manifestations of this group of helminthiases include beriberi, B 12 deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, vitamin A deficiency.

Schistosomiasis (genitourinary)

The development of this type of schistosomiasis manifests itself in the form of urination disorders, as well as characteristic impurities of blood in the urine.

Trichinosis

This type of helminthiasis most often manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• an increase in body temperature up to a feverish state;
• the appearance of edema of the face, and especially the eyelids;
• spontaneous muscle pain.

Strongyloidiasis

The causative agent is usually intestinal acne. This type of helminthic invasion is characterized by a predominant lesion of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The main symptoms of this disease include:

• damage to the gallbladder and biliary tract;
• dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, diarrhea, flatulence);
• allergic reactions of varying severity.

Clonorchiasis, fascioliasis, opisthorchiasis

The presented group of helminthiases affects mainly the liver parenchyma, gallbladder, and bile ducts. The most likely symptoms of opisthorchiasis in adults are as follows:

• an increase in the size of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly);
• increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood (icteric syndrome);
• development of chronic pancreatitis and cholecystocholangitis;
• disorders of the central nervous system.

The article describes the symptoms and signs of some of the most common types of worms that infect a person. Some, especially zoonotic helminthiases, may have a different clinical picture, including an increase in body parts, balls under the skin or in the eyes, partial and complete irreversible loss of vision. It is possible to confirm or deny infection only through the passage of special laboratory tests, which are prescribed by the attending physician on an individual basis.

Worms - symptoms and treatment in an adult

In the presence of worms in a person, the symptoms do not always appear, if they do, they disguise themselves as other diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, etc. Sometimes these symptoms are so vague that it can be very problematic to establish the cause of a particular problem, especially when it comes to children.

Types of worms in humans

Let's name some of the most common groups of worms in humans:

1. Ringed worms - pinworms, roundworms, whipworm, trichinella;
2. Tapeworms - various types of tapeworms, echinococci, tapeworms;
3. Flatworms - all kinds of flukes, flukes.

Let us consider in more detail each of the types of worms that can live in the body of an adult.

How can you get infected?

The causes of infection with human worms are very diverse, the route of infection directly depends on the type of worms and their life cycle, it can be:

• eating dirty vegetables;
• non-compliance with the rules of hygiene when cooking;
• poor heat treatment of some food products, especially animal meat and fish;
• communication with pets - cats, dogs, some types of rodents;
• non-observance of hygiene rules before eating, after visiting the bathroom, upon returning from a walk;
• swimming in contaminated waters.

In the course of their vital activity, worms produce toxic substances that are absorbed into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, causing harm to the most important organs and systems.

Symptoms of worms in humans

With the onset of an acute period of helminthiasis, the worms are taken to eat heavily in the intestines of a sick person, causing various signs of a violation of the digestive system: dysbacteriosis. stomach ache. diarrhea.

Symptoms of infestation with worms can appear at different times from the moment of infection with worms. So, the first symptoms of ascariasis appear after 2-3 days. With most of all other helminthic invasions, the symptoms of the disease appear after 2-3 weeks.

Most often, the main signs of infection with worms in an adult are allergic manifestations in the form of itching and rash, swelling, weakness, muscle pain, headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, an increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood, etc.

Treatment of worms in humans

The basis of the treatment of worms in humans are specific anthelmintic drugs. adults are prescribed the best time-tested tablets, such as pyrantel, mebendazole, albendazole, carbendacim.

The choice of drug in the treatment depends on the presence of specific worms in the human body. In the acute period of the disease, the doctor may prescribe anti-allergic drugs to the patient, such as suprastin or claritin.

The most popular pills on the market that can remove worms from a person:

1. Vermox (the best remedy for trichuriasis and enterobiasis);
2. Nemozol (most active against echinococcus larvae and nematodes);
3. Vormin and other broad-spectrum drugs containing mebendazole;
4. Decaris and other broad-spectrum preparations containing Levamisole;
5. Praziquantel (the best tablets for cestodoses and trematodes).

Only on the basis of tests, diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the treatment of worms in humans, since antihelminthic drugs are quite toxic. If the worms are found again during the analysis, then the specialist determines how to remove the worms, suggesting a new treatment regimen based on the use of other tablets from worms that will better cope with the task.

How to treat worms folk remedies

Folk methods of treatment include medicinal plants with anthelmintic, laxative effects. Although the effectiveness of these remedies has not been scientifically tested, many of them have been used since ancient times to treat worms in humans at home.

As for prevention, in order to prevent helminthic invasion, it is necessary to wash hands with soap after returning from the street, heat-treat meat and fish, do not drink raw water and do not swim in polluted reservoirs.

Signs of worms in humans are varied. The presence of helminths can be manifested by constant pain in the stomach, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Some people do not have such negative symptoms, but skin rashes appear that cannot be eliminated. Quite often, helminthic invasion is expressed by sudden allergic reactions.

When infected with worms, symptoms of pathologies of the liver, stomach, intestines and gallbladder appear. Often in adults there is a skin rash and irritation. A person can be treated for certain diseases for years, and after a course of anthelmintic drugs, he fully recovers.

How can you get worms

There are 4 ways of infection:

Most often, infection occurs by direct ingestion of helminth larvae. Contaminated water, unwashed hands after working with the earth, poorly processed meat - all this can cause helminthic invasion. Often a person becomes infected by drinking contaminated water, swimming in reservoirs or collecting it from wells.

Symptoms of the appearance of helminths

The manifestation of helminthiasis in humans can vary. Symptoms that occur in people who have a severe infection:

1. Exhausted look.
2. Weight loss.
3. Pallor.
4. Itching in the anus.

Malfunction of the gastrointestinal system

1. Diarrhea or, conversely, constipation.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. Pain in the intestines.
4. Bloating.
5. Sudden loss or, conversely, weight gain.

Symptoms can be either mild or vice versa. Certain types of helminths secrete substances that cause diarrhea. Large worms can block the intestines and cause constipation.

Important! Due to the constant release of waste products, a person feels all the signs of intoxication - nausea, vomiting, and general weakness are observed.

Weakened immune system

Problems of the nervous system

Important! Due to the constant lack of useful elements, chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia and constant irritability develop.

Respiratory system diseases

When worms enter the respiratory system, it is damaged. Perhaps the development of chronic lung diseases, frequent bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. A persistent runny nose can also be one of the signs of infection.

Skin diseases

Symptoms of helminth infection can be different:

1. Cracks in the heels.
2. Skin itching.
3. Lamination of nails.

Very often, a person begins to experience allergic skin reactions that cannot be treated. Due to impaired absorption of useful elements and vitamins, the appearance suffers in the first place. The skin may begin to age prematurely and become pale in color.

Symptoms of infection depending on the type of helminths

Symptoms of infection with certain helminths depend on the number of individuals in the body, human immunity and localization. Some types of helminths, for example, roundworms, after a few days can cause a general deterioration in well-being, and filariasis have an incubation period of about a year.

Roundworm

These types of helminths often disguise themselves as various diseases of the internal organs. The body temperature rises, the person suffers from coughing and is in a tired state. A strong helminthic invasion can provoke bronchitis or pneumonia.

After the helminths infect the intestines, all the symptoms of a metabolic disorder appear. The person begins to lose weight. Perhaps the development of intestinal obstruction and jaundice. There is a severe headache, the person becomes irritable and may become depressed.

Trichuriasis, schistosomiasis, diphyllobothriasis, ankylostomiasis

Violate metabolism and can cause the development of dysbacteriosis. Due to the constant lack of nutrients, beriberi is observed. Anemia may develop.

Pinworms

Severe anal itching at night is added to the main symptoms of helminthic invasion. If there are not many helminths, itching may disappear for a while, and then reappear. In severe forms of infection, itching is observed constantly.

Video - Ascaris worms inside a person, symptoms, treatment and consequences

trichinosis

There are muscle pain and swelling. Fever may develop.

Fascioliasis, opisthorchiasis, clonorchiasis

Dangerous types of helminths that disrupt the liver and can manifest all the symptoms of jaundice. The work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted and the liver is significantly enlarged.

Urogenital schistosomiasis

Type of helminths that affect the genitourinary system. The main symptom is the appearance of blood at the end of urination.

Tissue worms can live in human organs and tissues. Depending on the location of their localization, symptoms of a particular disease appear. For example, helminths that are in the liver can cause symptoms of hepatitis or other damage to an important organ in a person, and bronchitis or pneumonia in the lungs.

The most common helminths

At the moment, more than a hundred types of worms have been identified that can live in the intestines and internal organs. The most common helminths that people often infect are pinworms. Also in our country, people are susceptible to infection with dwarf tapeworm, tapeworm and hookworms. Other types of helminths:

1. Vlasoglav.
2. Paragonimiasis.
3. Cysticercosis

You can determine the presence of helminths and determine their type by analyzing feces. If no helminth eggs are found during the first examination of feces, but there is a high risk of infection, it is recommended to repeat the analysis several times.

Important! You can get a reliable result when determining helminths using an enzyme immunoassay, but it is not carried out in all medical institutions.

1. Have pets or work related to them.
2. Employees of medical and children's institutions.
3. Work related to food and service.

Treatment

After the eggs are found in stool tests, the doctor prescribes drugs that are effective against a certain type of helminth. Self-medication is not worth it, since anthelmintic drugs are highly toxic and negatively affect internal organs.

Usually, taking pills is enough to treat helminths. In case of an exacerbation of the disease and a large number of individuals, treatment with injections and infusions can be prescribed.

Important! Most drugs act only on adults, which requires an additional course of treatment due to the presence of larvae in the body.

The most common drugs:

Prevention of helminths

In order to protect yourself as much as possible from infection with parasites, you must follow the following rules.

Only an experienced doctor can in absentia predetermine the disease and the type of infectious agent according to the characteristic signs and symptoms. But most often, the activity of worms in the human body leads to excessive nervous excitability, insomnia, allergies, as well as signs of intoxication - nausea, indigestion, headaches, etc.

The first signs of helminths in adults

In addition, most often due to low awareness, the symptoms of helminth damage by a person are perceived as a result of poisoning, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, etc.

For reference! Recent statistics state that among all patients with helminthiasis, 89% are enterobiasis, 6.5% are ascariasis and 3.2% are opisthorchiasis.

Why is helminthiasis dangerous?

Thus, it becomes clear that helminthiasis without treatment leads to the collapse of the immune system, and hence to secondary infections and concomitant diseases of many organs and systems in adults.

Main symptoms in adults

Usually, symptoms of helminth damage can be detected 2-4 weeks after infection. Moreover, the consequence of the acute stage of the disease can last an average of 7 days and up to 4 months, after which, if untreated, the disease becomes chronic. You can distinguish the clinical picture based on the type of worms in the human body.

1. Enterobiasis, the causative agent of which are pinworms, is primarily distinguished by severe itching in the anus, especially at night. And the more pinworms accumulate, the longer and more expressive itching will be.
2. ascariasis manifests itself in different ways, depending on the phase of development of individuals. If the larvae enter the lungs, a person's body temperature rises, weakness appears, as well as a strong cough with sputum. The accumulation of invasions leads to ascariasis suffocation and pneumonia, an increase in eosinophils in the blood, as well as allergic reactions. Once in the intestines, the larvae cause indigestion, rapid weight loss, and the inability to absorb protein.
3. Ankylostomiasis, trichuriasis, diphyllobothriasis and schistosomiasis lead to a sharp loss of vitamins and nutrients, and hence to anemia. In addition, you can notice pronounced signs of intoxication and disturbed intestinal microflora.
4. Trichinosis manifests itself differently - fever, myalgia, as well as a noticeable swelling of the eyelids and face.
5. Opisthorchiasis, clonorchiasis or fascioliasis affect the liver, which means that typical symptoms appear. As a result, a person suffers from pancreatic insufficiency, neurological disorders, cholangitis and cholecystitis.
6. Strongyloidiasis causes corresponding dyspeptic disturbances, a strong allergic reaction due to the waste products of worms, as well as signs of liver, gallbladder and spleen dysfunctions.
7. Schistosomiasis affects the genitourinary system, which means it causes a number of dysuric disorders, including the appearance of blood in the urine.

Thus, we can conclude that most often the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, the immune system, as well as the blood and respiratory organs suffer from the activity of worms.

Treatment methods

Usually, the treatment of helminths is called deworming in medicine. In order for it to be as effective as possible and restore the human body as quickly as possible after such a serious illness, an integrated approach to its implementation should be followed. If you neglect your health, advanced cases may require surgical intervention.

Folk remedies

Today, traditional medicine is very popular, as numerous recipes and techniques have passed the long-term test of time and people's experience. Therefore, in this case, treatment with folk remedies may be appropriate, but only after consulting a doctor.

The most popular remedies for helminths are the following:

• garlic tincture;
• pumpkin seeds with honey;
• decoction and infusion of tansy;
• tincture of wormwood;
• walnut tincture;
• cognac;
• citrus products;
• ash from linden branches;
• hot spices.

Diagnostic Measures

For a comprehensive examination, biochemical analyzes of blood, tissues and fluids are also carried out today. Due to this, an increase in eosinophils or leukocytes can be detected. Additionally, electron microscopy, immunochemical and immunological analysis, ultrasound, MRI and tomography can be performed.

Medical treatment

The following drugs are considered the most effective anthelmintics:

• and others.

Prevention from infection

The preventive measures are as follows:

• washing hands with soap after the street, toilet, contact with animals and soil, before each meal;
• observance of indoor sanitation and personal hygiene of the whole body and nails, in particular in children;
• all food products must be thoroughly washed before eating and cooking;
• sufficient heat treatment of fish and meat products;
• regular deworming of pets.

Today medicine has more than 250 types of worms that exist in the human body. For the countries of the former CIS, only 30 species will be typical, but the most common are enterobiasis, ascariasis and opisthorchiasis. In general, helminths can be divided into two classes - those that affect the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as those that are introduced into other systems and organs.

According to the method of infection, helminths are divided into several types:

• geohelminths, which are transmitted through the inanimate resources of nature - greenery, soil, water and food;
• biohelminths that get to a person through animals, birds, fish, mollusks;
• contact that spread from one person to another;
• transmissible, which penetrate the human body through insects;
• active, when the worms independently find their owner, after which they are introduced into his body.

The type of worm and the way it enters the human body is observed by the doctor depends on the clinical picture, state of health, degree of damage to the body, method of treatment, as well as subsequent preventive measures.

• daily diarrhea, which can gradually replace itself with constipation, which may indicate the beginning of the process of intestinal obstruction;
• periodic nausea and opening of vomiting for no reason;
• aching or severe pain in the abdomen, most often localized in the umbilical cavity;
• pain in the right hypochondrium, which may intensify after eating;
• constant discharge of gases or their stagnation, which provokes severe bloating.

They begin to penetrate into the intestinal tissues, which entails a strong increase in peristalsis and, as a result, a complete violation of the absorption of nutrients due to constant diarrhea. At the same time, mucus and bile impurities may be noted in the feces.

Attention! Intestinal invasion is dangerous because worms can artificially provoke intestinal obstruction, which leads to terrible pain and death in the absence of urgent therapy and surgery.

Symptoms of the presence of worms on the work of the central nervous system

• severe headaches that can last for several days and are often mistaken for migraines;
• an increase in body temperature, which sometimes increases up to a fever;
• dull or severe muscle pain, aggravated after physical exertion and at night;
• due to the lack of useful trace elements in the blood and organs, chronic fatigue syndrome develops;
• a person constantly suffers from insomnia, nightmares may appear;
• there may be problems with study and work due to problems with concentration;
• the patient becomes too irritable and nervous;
• even after good sleep and rest, a person experiences weakness.

Attention! These symptoms can often be perceived by doctors as a banal beriberi or vegetative-vascular dystonia. That is why, in the presence of such symptoms, you should independently suggest to the doctor to undergo an analysis for helminthiasis.

Other signs of helminth infestation

In addition to the symptoms described above, patients often also develop allergic reactions, most often skin reactions. They are due to the fact that worms produce a large amount of hazardous substances. With mass production, they penetrate tissues and organs, which makes the human body perceive its own proteins as harmful substances.

After the inability to recognize their own cells, white blood cells begin to grow, which additionally causes a skin rash. It can spread throughout the body and take on a mass character. As the condition worsens, a normal rash can turn into severe itching, symptoms of a cold, cough, runny nose, asthmatic attacks, and hives.

Some patients also have problems such as nail foliation, hair loss, increased brittleness of the nail plate, and cracked feet. They are difficult to cure, and most often there is a deterioration in the condition until all the worms are removed from the body.

Attention! These symptoms may be temporary or intermittent. With extensive invasion, all symptoms become more pronounced and can last for days. In such cases, urgent treatment is necessary to prevent possible death due to intoxication.

Determination of worms in the body

At the moment, there is a questionnaire that allows you to actually accurately determine the presence of helminths in the tissues and organs of the patient. It consists of several questions to which the patient answers positively or negatively.

1. The appearance of itching in the anus of a permanent or periodic nature.
2. Eruptions appeared on the skin.
3. Pain and dizziness are constantly recorded, which is difficult to stop.
4. There are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, in the form of vomiting and nausea.
5. The job requires working in the ground or constant contact with animals.
6. There are also pets at home, including birds.
7. Fatigue and fatigue are constantly noted.
8. Labor activity is connected with school or other children's institutions.
9. Sometimes body temperature rises for no reason.
10. A dry cough does not go away for a long time, suffocation and shortness of breath are noted.
11. There are pains in the muscles and joints, while it is not necessary to engage in heavy physical activity.
12. There is a serious decrease in body weight, or vice versa, appetite increases, but the weight also does not increase.
13. Frequent consumption of raw fruits and vegetables without first washing or scalding.
14. Periodically there is a feeling of bitterness in the oral cavity.
15. You like to eat raw meat or undercooked meat, such as jerky.

Treatment of helminthiasis with drugs

As a rule, the patient is prescribed one tablet immediately after a meal. It should be washed down with plenty of water. In case of infection with pinworms and in the presence of mass reproduction of worms, one more tablet is prescribed every seven days for a month.

In some cases, narrow-profile medications are used that are infused intravenously. Treatment in this case is possible only in a hospital setting and, as a rule, is part of the struggle for the patient's life.

Attention! Before taking the tablets, it is advisable to take a blood test to identify the exact type of helminths. This will help to adjust the therapy and make it more successful and faster.

1. Roundworm. Worms up to 40 cm long. Many eggs of these helminths are found in the soil, on dirty fruits and vegetables.
2. Pinworms. Infection with such helminths is called enterobiasis and occurs as a result of interaction with a sick person.
3. Diphyllobotrium latum. The eggs of these helminths are found in undersalted or undercooked fish.

According to the localization of helminthiases can be:

Worms in humans are dangerous because they methodically destroy the walls of internal organs, which is why the condition of the infected becomes worse every day. Long helminths are able to get confused in balls, the consequences of which are intestinal obstruction, blockage of the esophagus, pulmonary arteries. Helminthiasis has a destructive effect on the nervous system. A person infected with helminths is practically defenseless against viruses and infections.

Causes of worms in humans

You have already read about what helminths are, but what contributes to their appearance in the body is not yet fully understood. Worm diseases occur due to:

• eating food with dirty hands;
• swallowing water with helminth eggs from fresh water;
• the use of poorly washed or not fully heat-treated products;
• close contact with pets, on the coat of which there may be helminth eggs;
• meals in establishments where sanitization is not carried out properly;
• being in rooms where the cleaning was carried out poorly (there may be helminth eggs in the air and on surfaces);
• drinking unboiled water.

The type of helminthiasis depends on the route of infection:

1. Opisthorchiasis, clonorchiasis, metagonimiasis, diphyllobothriasis. Helminthiasis due to the consumption of raw, undercooked, undersalted fish.
2. Fascioliasis. Infection with helminthiasis occurs by swallowing infected water and eating products washed with it.
3. Paragonimiasis. The use of undercooked crayfish, crabs leads to infection with this type of helminthiasis.
4. Teniarinhoz, teniasis, cysticercosis, trichinosis. Through the meat of domestic animals, helminth eggs of this type enter the body.
5. Hymenolepiasis, echinococcosis, alveococcosis. Infection with helminthiasis through dirty hands.
6. Ascariasis, enterobiasis, trichuriasis. Dirty hands, unwashed food, contact with an infected person, sharing objects with him are the causes of these types of helminthiasis.
7. Ankylostomiasis, strongyloidiasis, necatoriasis. Infection with helminths through the soil.

Symptoms

You will not understand what helminthiasis is until you know what signs are characteristic of this disease. The presence of helminths is indicated by the appearance of:

• fever;
• itching of the anus;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• night grinding of teeth;
• cough
• weight loss without loss of appetite;
• increased salivation;
• high temperature;
• pain in the abdominal region of varying intensity;
• bloating;
• morning sickness;
• constipation;
• intestinal obstruction;
• enlargement of the lymph nodes;
• weakness, drowsiness;
• peeling of the skin;
• sudden attacks of severe hunger;
• skin rash;
• hepatitis A;
• increased sweating;
• myocarditis;
• puffiness of the face;
• bronchospasm;
• conjunctivitis;
• liquid stool;
• airway inflammation.

First symptoms

The number, list and severity of manifestations depend on the type of helminths that have settled in the body. Each type of helminthiasis is characterized by its own set of symptoms. They do not appear all at once, but as the infection progresses. The first signs of helminthiasis are noticeable when the helminthic invasion is in the acute stage, lasting, as a rule, two to three weeks. Clinical picture of infection with helminths:

• fever;
• skin rashes;
• puffiness;
• hyperthermia;
• muscle and joint pain;
• coughing;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• constipation;
• flatulence;
• inflammation of the upper respiratory tract;
• diarrhea;
• abdominal pain.

In children

Symptoms of helminthiases in a child are different. This may be due to many factors, but the main one is weaker immunity compared to an adult. Helminthiasis in the acute phase in children is manifested by the following symptoms:

• rash and itching;
• fever;
• myalgia;
• lymphadenitis;
• fast fatigue;
• arthralgia;
• itching of the anus;
• dry cough;
• sharp weight loss;
• chest pains;
• pallor of the skin;
• shortness of breath;
• bad sleep;
• puffiness;
• flatulence;
• stool problems;
• nausea;
• weakness;
• sleep disorders.

The chronic form of helminthiasis is indicated by the presence of:

• lethargy;
• anemia;
• pustular rash on the skin;
• decrease in working capacity;
• frequent colds;
• pathology of the skin, respiratory system, genital organs.

The presence of the following pathologies suggests that helminthiasis is severely neglected and has given serious complications:

• intestinal obstruction;
• pancreatitis;
• mechanical jaundice;
• cholangitis;
• pyoderma;
• cholecystitis;
• vulvovaginitis;
• gastroduodenitis;
• urinary incontinence;
• hepatitis;
• appendicitis;
• meningoencephalitis;
• acute pulmonary insufficiency;
• strabismus;
• perforation of the intestinal wall.

Classification of helminthiases

There are such types of helminth invasion:

1. Biohelminthiases. Diseases caused by helminths with a complex development cycle. As a rule, two or three different animals participate in it. The host is considered to be the organism in which the helminths have reached sexual maturity. Some helminthiases of this group: teniarinhoz, echinococcosis, teniasis, trichinosis, fascioliasis, opisthorchiasis, diphyllobothriasis.
2. Geohelminthiases. Eggs and larvae of pathogens of helminthiasis develop in the external environment. Geohelminthiases include ascariasis, ankylostomiasis, strongyloidiasis, trichuriasis.
3. Contact helminthiases. Helminths are transmitted from person to person without intermediate hosts. Representatives: enterobiasis, cysticercosis, hymenolepiasis.

Diagnostics

To identify helminthiasis, the following methods are used:

1. Macroscopic examination of stool fragments. Allows you to see helminths with a magnifying glass. Helps to detect different types of helminthiasis.
2. Microscopic examination. Designed to detect eggs and larvae of helminths in feces.
3. Immunological blood tests. Detects antibodies in plasma to one or another type of helminthiasis. For this, enzyme immunoassay, immunosorption, passive hemagglutination, immunoelectrophoresis are carried out.
4. Biopsy. It is carried out if there is a suspicion of the presence of helminths in the muscles.
5. Analysis of duodenal contents. It is carried out to identify helminths in the liver, duodenum, gallbladder.
6. Electropuncture diagnostics.
7. Ultrasound, x-ray, computed tomography. It is carried out to understand which organs are affected by the complications of helminthiasis and how severe the condition is.

Treatment of worms

drugs

Lists of drugs from helminths and analogues by active substance:

• Albendazole (Vormil, Zentel, Aldazol, Farmox, Nemozol, Medizol);
• Mebendazole (Vermox, Telmox, Wormin, Vermakar, Mebex);
• Levamisole (Decaris);
• Pyrantel (Combanthrin, Helmintox, Nemocide);
• Praziquantel (Azinox, Biltriide).

Prevention

To reduce the risk of infection with helminthiasis to a minimum, observe the following rules:

1. Periodically drink drugs to get rid of helminths for prevention according to the schemes indicated in the instructions.
2. Be sure to wash your hands after using the toilet, before sitting at the table, after contact with the ground and any animals.
3. Do not drink raw water, especially collected from open water.
4. Thoroughly wash vegetables, herbs, fruits and other foods served raw.
5. Do not eat meat, fish, caviar, eggs cooked incorrectly (undercooked, with blood, not salted, etc.).
6. Regularly do wet cleaning at home, wash bedding and bath accessories at a temperature of at least 60 degrees.

Video: Symptoms of helminths in humans